Buckeye Candy

As a small child, I was perfectly content to entertain myself. I did not expect otherwise. Why, if I had told Momma “nobody loved me” or that I was sad, I would have been one sorry kid. Her reaction to that foolishness would have been to give me the stank eye and assign me an unpleasant chore such as pulling weeds in the garden. Nope, I considered myself a pretty quick study. I kept myself pretty busy. At an early age, I learned that I was my own best friend and I could conjure up other playmates in my imagination.

We had a small garage out by the side of our house. It was a separate building. It was filled with old farm implements that Daddy had acquired. Momma used it to store jars and things for canning. There was no door on it. Come to think of it, I do not believe they ever parked a car in there. Back then, everything was left open anyway. No one worried about things being stolen. Why we would leave for a few days to go visit my grandparents. No one even thought about locking anything up. I am wondering if we even had house keys back then. Probably not.

The old garage had a dirt floor and a very distinguishable aroma. It wasn’t godawful. The only way I can describe it is dank and musty. Momma said there were so many ticks out there when we were small that she had to perform a body check every night lest we come down with deadly tick disease. My baking career jumpstarted right there in that old derelict garage with the best mudpies you ever saw.

Available to me was a plethora of kitchen equipment. Jar lids were my baking pans. Jars were mixing bowls. Old nail and screws were my spoons and utensils. Decorations were made from acorns, grass, dandelions and whatever could be found. I remember Momma playing with me one time with my little sister. She was so busy all the time with the duties of a wife and mother of that era. Most of the time, I was on my own.

When I reflect back on my early baking experiences, my mudpies were not all perfect. Many were lopsided, too runny, too dry. Some stuck to the pan but as they say, practice makes perfect or you’ll die trying.

Fast forward to today and I have so many conveniences that would have made Momma’s life so much easier. There’s an implement for almost everything and Amazon has it. Cookie scoops have replaced spoons for dipping out cookie dough. It helps with size and consistency. Click here to see the ones I use.

Buckeyes remind me so much of my mudpies of long ago. They are a little sticky. You may have to add more confectioners sugar if they are. Sometimes, they look less than perfect but they are still good. I always liked embellishments hence the sprinkles.

Why did I never show my daughter how to make mudpies? She missed out although she has turned into a gourmet cook with a penchant for cleanliness. You know those people that clean as they go? Well, for some reason, I missed that step. She also cannot purchase any staples before there is a plan to bake. Another step off the ladder for me. I am spontaneous! I won’t say what she calls it.

I mentioned making mudpies to my granddaughter and she looked at me like I needed to be immediately transported to Sunnyvale Nursing Home. She prefers a real kitchen with all the comforts and conveniences and likes being called a junior baker. Mudpies are far removed from her generation.

Momma was so proud of her granddaughter because she lived long enough to see her married and have children. And Momma recognized traits that she had passed down such as her love for the kitchen and frugal habits.

Each generation has their childhood stories to tell and these tales seem almost unbelievable to the next generation. And when you are young and busy with life, these events lack priority. It is only when you are facing your own mortality that you begin examining your life. That’s not a bad thing, it is just the way it is.

You may not have made mudpies or experienced life in the country. But information regarding your grandparents, parents and your own life may be of great interest to those coming after you someday. Or should I say, those lucky enough to rifle through your stuff after you’ve passed on.

So get a journal, jot some things down. Make notes on the backs of old pictures so they won’t get tossed out because no one can identify those in the pictures. Provide recipes for your favorite dishes.

Buckeyes may not be in your recipe file but it is certainly easy and a good place to start. Enjoy!

Yield: about 25-30 balls

Buckeye Peanut Butter Balls

Print

No-bake peanut butter ball dipped in chocolate and sprinkles

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 3 minutes

Total Time 33 minutes

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Ball

• 1  cup Creamy Peanut Butter
• 6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 2  1/2 cups confectioners sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• pinch salt

Melted Chocolate Dip

• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (Mini chips melt faster)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
• Assorted sprinkles

Instructions

No-Bake Peanut Butter Ball

1. Prepare a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper.
2. Using a mixer, combine peanut butter and butter until completely combined.
3. Add sugar, salt, and vanilla and continue to mix.
4. Shape into balls using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon. ( If the dough is too wet, add about another 1/4 cup powdered sugar.)
5. Place on a large cookie sheet.
6. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Dip

1. Put chips and shortening in glass bowl and microwave at 30-second intervals until completely melted.
2. Using a toothpick or small tongs to dip half of the peanut butter ball in chocolate. Let the excess chocolate drip off, then place back on the cookie sheet. Can use sprinkles if you want some additional color.
3. Chill until firm. Can place in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. Serve chilled.

Notes

It is best to cover the ball in chocolate except for the very top.